Yellow sand from China’s deserts was observed in wide areas of western to northern Japan on Wednesday. Weather officials are warning that the airborne particles could lower visibility and cause traffic disruptions.

The meteorological agency said that as of 3 p.m., the sand was spotted in 28 places from the Kyushu to Tohoku regions.

Visibility was 7 kilometers in the city of Kyoto, 8 in Tsu and Toyama, and 9 in Nagoya and Gifu.

Weather officials say wider areas of western to northern Japan could be affected through Thursday, and visibility could be lowered to less than 5 kilometers in some areas.

The officials say the sand could stick to laundry hung outdoors and also affect transportation.